Violetteâs eyes sparkled with excitement upon spotting Melissa.
She turned to Marcus, her voice tinged with envy and admiration.
âCan we go over and say hello? Her dress is breathtaking, and she looks incredible.
I wish I had her figure!â
Her words were accompanied by a bashful smile.
Marcus, holding a wine glass, cast a steady gaze in Melissaâs direction, his attention fixed on her.
He couldnât deny that she appeared more captivating than ever.
As Melissa caught sight of Marcus and Violette, her smile wavered momentarily before she offered them a polite nod as greeting.
Albert, noticing Melissaâs brief change in expression, scanned the room and recognized Marcus.
âAh, the young Fowler heir! What a pleasant surprise!â he exclaimed, approaching with Melissa in tow.
âIs this your new partner? You two seem Like a good match,â
Albert commented, turning to Melissa for her opinion.
âAm I right?â
Violette responded modestly to Albertâs compliment, âThatâs very kind of you, Mr.
Waston.
â
Meanwhile, Marcusâ gaze lingered on Melissa, silently questioning how she might react.
Once, such a situation might have reduced her to tears given how timid she was, but she had grown stronger.
With a poised smile, Melissa replied, âMr.
Fowler has a knack for making the right choices.
â
Before Albert could further stir the pot, Marcus intervened, âIs that so, Miss Brown? Perhaps Iâve made errors in judgment before.
â
âSuccess and failure are two sides of the same coin, wouldnât you agree, Mr.
Fowler?â Melissa responded with equanimity.
At her words, Marcus sneered, âIt seems youâre really good at looking at the bright side, Miss Brown.
â
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Melissa responded promptly, âWe must move forward, no matter what.
â
The air between them grew charged in an instant.
Violette, puzzled by the tension, inquired, âWere you and Marcus colleagues before, Miss Brown?â
With a gracious smile, Melissa explained, âYes, during my time at Fowler Group, Mr.
Fowler and I had our differences.
Leaving the company left me quite upset, but I imagine Mr.
Fowler has long since forgotten those minor disputes.
Such matters seem trivial to him, Iâd presume,â
Violette quickly came to Marcusâ defense, asserting, âOf course.
Marcus is anything but petty.
â
Albert, unable to contain his amusement at the exchange, laughed heartily.
It was hard to believe that Melissa, once seen as meek and gentle, had grown so assertive and independent.
He looked at Marcus, his expression a mix of admiration and jest, âMr.
Fowler, youâre fortunate.
Melissa and I eagerly anticipate your wedding invitation.
â
Marcusâ response was a disdainful snort as his demeanor shifted.
He fixed a steady gaze on Melissa, emphasizing each word, âRest assured, Mr.
Waston, Miss Brown, youâll receive your invitation in due time.
â